Douglas South MHK Sarah Maltby has announced her intention to stand for re-election at the Isle of Man General Election.
Ms Maltby, who has represented Douglas South in Tynwald since 2021, said the constituency is not only her home but a community she has been part of all her life.
Describing her time in office as a privilege, she said she is seeking a second term to build on what she views as a strong record of delivery at both a local and national level.
Re-Election
A central theme of her first term has been support for families and carers.
Ms Maltby highlighted her early advocacy for Family Support Payments, reforms to child benefit, increases to maternity, paternity and adoption allowances, and the uplift and benchmarking of carers’ allowance.
She also pointed to the introduction of the Childcare Inclusion Scheme and progress on the digital transformation of Social Security services to make support easier to access.
Work Done
Her work has also included chairing a Select Committee on Public Rights of Way, campaigning for more Changing Places toilets to improve accessibility, and initiating a Private Member’s Bill that was later adopted by government.
Beyond social policy, Ms Maltby referenced her roles in tourism and events as political member for the Department for Enterprise, with responsibility for Visit Isle of Man and Motorsport.
She highlighted her support for the return of the Classic TT and her wider efforts to grow and strengthen the island’s visitor economy.
She has also served as Chair of the Isle of Man Arts Council, a trustee of Manx National Heritage, and Tynwald Trustee for the Manx Lottery Trust.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Ms Maltby said her 2026–2031 manifesto will focus on practical, evidence-based policymaking, clearer communication from government, and rebuilding public trust.
Ms Maltby framed her approach as pragmatic and evidence-led, though her record includes support for a minimum wage increase that drew objections from many businesses.
She believes that tough decisions must balance economic ambition with social responsibility, alongside clearer communication and openness to rebuild trust in government decision-making.
By declaring early, she said she hopes to give constituents ample opportunity to engage with her and help shape her priorities for the next term.
